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No More Safe Zones

작성자HANBAT HERALD  조회수4,913 등록일2023-02-20
파키스탄 홍수지도.png [1,161.5 KB]

No More Safe Zones


By Kim Min-joong Cub Reporter, Junior of Mechanical Engineering

Before the fear of the tragic global pandemic COVID-19 went away, Pakistan was declared to be in a state of emergency after three months of heavy rains paralyzed the national administration. 1/3 of the country was flooded, and it is estimated that 35 million people have been displaced by the floods, and more than 2,000 people have died.

South Korea, which has been less affected by floods and typhoons for a long time, due to its topographical features of a high eastern coast and a low western coast, implemented four river restoration projects in the 2000s, to improve drainage. However, South Korea is no longer rated as a safe zone for flood damage. This is because, starting in the summer of 2020, unusually heavy rain fell on the Korean peninsula. The flooding started in Busan, and the “Haeundae area,” where many skyscrapers had been constructed,  which were more than 50 stories high. Recently, the 11th typhoon, ‘Hinnamnor’, that hit the Korean peninsula this summer, as well as flooding caused by localized torrential rains, caused a lot of damage to most cities, including Seoul. The Pakistan floods (2022) are no longer just unfortunate events that happen in other countries, and South Korea is also no longer safe.

   The fundamental reason for more frequent occurrences of larger typhoons and heavier rains than before, is the excessive amount of energy near the equator, due to the effects of recent accelerated global warming. This energy is then transported to higher latitudes in the form of typhoons and heavy rains, to keep the global temperature in balance. It is the most naturally effective way of reducing the intensity of the energy. However, since it is virtually impossible for humans to solve the fundamental reason for more frequent occurrences of natural disasters, governments and individuals must take measures against these natural disasters.

At the government level, last year, the Masan area’s barrier wall was used to effectively prevent typhoons, and they are currently considering a plan to apply barriers to most of the coastal areas. In addition, as a project to minimize flood damage, maintenance of the pre-existing reservoirs and the construction of additional dams are planned, and a rainwater tunnel project is also being promoted.

On the personal level, a flood preparation kit should be pre-stocked with clothing, essentials, and valuables, in case you have to leave the house unexpectedly. While you can minimize flood damage by  stacking heavy objects on doors and windows, it is more effective to lay down a waterproof cloth and pile up heavy objects. Due to the lack of such preparations, many shops were flooded, due to the typhoon ‘Hinnamnor.’ Finally, you will need to leave the flooded area, but your escape route and time may change if someone with a disability requires a wheelchair or any other necessary equipment. Therefore, provisions should be made for people with disabilities, as well as children,  other people in need, and also pets.

In addition, drivers should skip any flooded areas on their driving routes. As the phrase in the campaign says:  “If it’s a flooded, forget it.” In the case of the Korean floods, there was a regrettable loss of life when people forced their way into the underground parking lot of an apartment building to protect their cars. The most important thing is not to go to flooded areas. But when a situation like this happens, think about which is more precious: Your life, or your  car.

                 with post-flood damage is also very important. This is because there is a high possibility that waterborne infectious diseases will spread, nationwide, due to shortages of drinking water. For this reason, if flooding is expected, you can prepare drinking water in advance, or boil it before drinking. Since the ground becomes weak and landslides frequently occur, people should refrain from outdoor activities around mountain areas. Residents near mountains should evacuate immediately, and report to their local governments if they have seen any landslides, or any symptoms of potential landslides.

In South Korea, where typhoons and floods cannot be ignored, it is essential to know how to deal with them. However, such education has not been sufficiently conducted in South Korea, perhaps because of the previous low amounts of damage. Taking lessons from these recent flood damage cases, we hope that typhoon preparation measures will be implemented in the next disaster, so as not to commit the same mistakes as before, in preparation for upcoming floods. Good Luck!!